South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently visited eThekwini to campaign for the African National Congress (ANC) and address concerns of voters in the area. During his visit, he met with residents, including 66-year-old Makhosazana Mbikwana, whose home was damaged during the political violence of the 1980s. Mbikwana shared her struggles with Ramaphosa, including her home's need for repair and her rejected application for a social grant.
Mbikwana's home in ward 6, eThekwini, is a memorial to the political violence of the 1980s, in which one of her sons was killed. She shared the four-room home with her husband, sister, daughter, and four grandchildren. Ramaphosa listened to her concerns, including the lack of job opportunities for her educated but unemployed children. Mbikwana warned that the absence of work was pushing young people towards crime.
Ramaphosa's visit to eThekwini aimed to reclaim the ANC's dominance in the area. In the 2021 local government elections, the ANC received 42.02% of the vote, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) received 26.62% and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) received 10.48%. This year, Jacob Zuma's MK Party, which has strong support in the province, is also in the picture.
During his visit, Ramaphosa gave an optimistic assessment, stating that he felt confident about the ANC's victory. He emphasized the need for ANC councillors to be well-connected to the people and focused on service delivery. Ramaphosa also warned against councillors using public office to benefit friends and relatives.
Ramaphosa acknowledged delays in rebuilding communities affected by devastating floods and called for more professional municipal administrations. He also addressed concerns about violent crime, including a recent mass shooting in KwaMakhutha that killed 11 people and wounded three. Ramaphosa conceded that the police are overstretched and called for increased support.
Residents in eThekwini are demanding jobs, functioning services, houses, and infrastructure, as well as a sense of safety. Ramaphosa's visit aimed to address these concerns and show support for the community. He met with thousands of people in Molweni, where he received a enthusiastic reception and sang with ANC supporters.
The ANC is seeking to regain its majority in eThekwini, while the MK Party believes it can win control of the area in November. Ramaphosa's visit was an effort to bolster support for the ANC and address the concerns of voters in the area.
Key points
- Ramaphosa visits eThekwini to campaign for ANC and address voter concerns.
- Residents demand jobs, functioning services, houses, and infrastructure.
- ANC seeks to regain majority in eThekwini, amid competition from MK Party.
